Firearm accessory spacers and mounts and methods for forming the same

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein provide spacers and mounts for firearm accessories, as well as methods for mounting firearm accessories. In some embodiments, a spacer is provided. The spacer has a lower surface configured as a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure and an upper surface configured as a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure. The spacer is configured that when attached to a M150 Rifle Combat Optic, or the like, a substantial portion of the base of the optic extends past an end of the spacer. In some embodiments, a mount that is configured to be detachably secured to a rail is provided. The mount has the spacer incorporated therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/684,904, filed Aug. 20, 2012, entitled “Firearm Accessory Risers and Mounts and Methods for Forming the Same,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for mounting accessories, such as optical sights, to firearms and methods for forming such systems.

BACKGROUND

Recent years have seen a significant increase in demand for firearms and firearm-related accessories, for both civilian/recreational and military uses. This increased demand can especially be seen with the increased sales of assault rifles and accessories for use with assault rifles, including optical sights. Some of the most popular assault rifles, for both civilian and military uses, are those based on Eugene Stoner's design (e.g., the M-16/AR-15 and variants thereof, the AR-10 and variants thereof, etc.). One example of a popular optical sight for such rifles, for both civilian/recreational and military uses, is the ADVANCED COMBAT OPTICAL GUNSIGHT (ACOG) series available from TRIJICON Inc. of Wixom, Mich., and similar optical sights

ACOGs are renowned for providing excellent optical properties and being extremely durable. However, particular variants of the ACOG (e.g., the 4×32 models, such a the TA01 and TA31, a variant of which is designated the “M150 Rifle Combat Optic” by the U.S. Army) are considered by some users to be difficult to use because of the relatively short eye relief provided (i.e., the eye of the user must be placed into close proximity with the eye piece of the optic in order for a full field of view to be obtained). As a result, mounting such optical sights on a rifle, particularly a Stoner design, in a position where they may be comfortably, quickly, and easily used may be difficult.

This is particularly true when a “flip-up” iron sight (or back-up iron sight (BUIS)) is also mounted on the rifle. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, such a configuration is particularly desirable for military personnel because it provides the user with a back-up means for aiming the rifle in the event his or her primary optic (e.g., the ACOG) fails, in which case the ACOG may be removed, and the flip-up iron sight may be deployed.

Few solutions have been offered for this problem, and those that have been offered still do not mount the ACOG in the ideal position for many users (e.g., the ACOG is mounted undesirably high) and/or involve the use of an expensive, aftermarket mounts and/or other components, which is particularly an issue for many civilian/recreational users.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a mounting solution for optical sights, such as ACOGs, and other firearm accessories, which allows the accessory to be mounted in a more ideal position, while minimizing any additional costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a conventional ACOG mount;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the mount of FIG. 2 and an ACOG, illustrating the alignment thereof when the ACOG is secured to the mount;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a spacer according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the spacer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the spacer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the spacer taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a back view of the spacer taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the spacer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the spacer of FIG. 4 mated with the mount of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an ACOG mounted to the mount of FIG. 2 using the spacer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the ACOG, spacer, and mount of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the ACOG, spacer, and mount on a rail with a flip-up iron sight;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a spacer according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are side views of the ACOG, spacer, and mount on a rail with a flip-up iron sight; and

FIGS. 19 and 20 are views of spacers according to other embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, and brief summary, or the following detailed description. It should also be noted that FIGS. 1-20 are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a firearm, more particularly, a Stoner design rifle (e.g., an AR-15 or M4 carbine) 10 with an optical sight 12 and a rear “flip-up” iron sight (in a “folded” position) mounted thereon. In some embodiments, the optical sight 12 is a 4×32 model (i.e., having 4× magnification and a 32 millimeter (mm) objective) of an ADVANCED COMBAT OPTICAL GUNSIGHT (ACOG) (or 4×32 ACOG), such as the TA01 series or the TA31 series, available from TRIJICON Inc. of Wixom, Mich. One specific example of a 4×32 ACOG is the TA31RCO (or TA31RCO-M150CP), which is designated the “M150 Rifle Combat Optic” by the U.S. Army and the “AN/PVQ-31 Rifle Combat Optic” by the U.S. Marine Corps. However, it should be understood that as used herein, “M150 Rifle Combat Optic” (or “AN/PVQ-31 Rifle Combat Optic”) may generally refer to all 4×32 ACOG models, and vice versa. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, in such embodiments (e.g., 4×32 ACOGs), the optical sight (hereinafter “ACOG”) 12 may have an eye relief of approximately 38 mm (or 1.5 inches).

The ACOG 12 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted to the picatinny rail 16 (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail) on the upper receiver 18 of the rifle 10 with a conventional, prior art ACOG mount 20, while the flip-up iron sight 14 is mounted immediately behind the ACOG 12 and/or the mount 20.

FIG. 2 shows the conventional ACOG mount 20 in greater detail. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the ACOG mount 20 has a trapezoid-shaped channel (or concave structure with a central horizontal surface and two angled surfaces on opposing sides of the horizontal surface) formed in the upper surface 22 thereof, which extends the entire length of the mount 20. One skilled in the art will recognize this structure as being in the shape of the concave profile (or portion) of a “M-16 base” or “carry handle base” mounting structure (or system). The ACOG mount 20 is provided with a minimal mounting height 26 (e.g., 3.0-5.0 mm), as measured at the central, horizontal surface. The mounting height 26 indicates approximately how high the mount 20 raises the ACOG 12 (more particularly, the base portion of the ACOG 12) above the rail (e.g., the picatinny rail 16) when the mount 20 and the ACOG 12 are attached thereto. The ACOG mount 20 also has two holes 24 through the horizontal surface, which are spaced by a center-to-center distance 28 (e.g., the distance between the central axes 29 of the holes 24) of approximately 32 millimeters (mm), which is shown in FIG. 3. The mount 20 may be made of, for example, aluminum or steel. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a lower side of the mount 20 may be configured such that the mount 20, as well as any accessory attached to the mount, may be detachably secured/mounted to a picatinny rail (and/or a weaver rail).

FIG. 3 illustrates the alignment of the ACOG 12 with the mount 20 when the ACOG 12 is mounted in a conventional manner. As shown, distance 28 also corresponds to the distance between two mounting holes 30 (i.e., a forward mounting hole 30, shown on the right, near the front/objective of the ACOG 12, and a rear mounting hole 30, shown on the left) present on the lower surface (or side) of a base portion 32 of the ACOG 12.

Although not shown in detail in FIG. 3, the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 has a shape (i.e., cross-sectional) that is the “inverse” of the upper surface 22 of the mount (i.e., the lower portion of the base portion 32 has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure) such that the base portion 32 mates with the mount 20. It should also be noted that an overall length 34 of the mount 20 is substantially the same as a length 36 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12, which when combined with the positioning of the holes 24, causes the ends of base portion 32 to substantially align with the ends of the mount 20 (i.e., the base portion 32 does not substantially extend beyond, or “hang” off, the end of the mount 20). Although not shown, the ACOG 12 is detachably secured to the mount 20 with fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) that extend upwards through the holes 24 (FIG. 2) in the mount 20 and into the mounting holes 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12.

It should be understood that the mount 20 in FIGS. 2 and 3, as well as the other figures, is merely an example of one such mount often used to mount ACOGs in a conventional position/manner. Similar mounts are available from multiple manufacturers, which may vary slightly in appearance from the one shown in FIG. 2. However, the basic structure and function of these mounts is similar (e.g., the M-16 base mounting structure, a length 34 similar to the length 36 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG, two holes extending therethrough separated by a distance of approximately 32 mm, etc.). Further, it should be noted that the mounting height 26 (FIG. 2) may vary depending on the exact model of ACOG mount 20 that is utilized.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the ACOG 12 (and/or the mount 20) is positioned on the rail 16 such that the eye piece 38 of the ACOG 12 is positioned just above the flip-up iron sight 14. However, because of the presence of the flip-up iron sight 14 and/or the configuration of the mount 20 and the ACOG 12 (particularly the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12) as described above, the ACOG 12 (and/or the mount 20) may not be moved any closer to the butt stock 40 of the rifle 10.

In such a configuration, due to the position and short eye relief of the ACOG 12, some users are not able to quickly and comfortably position their eye in the proper position to use the ACOG 12. For example, some users feel that in such a configuration the ACOG 12 is mounted too far forward (i.e., away from the butt stock 40) and/or too low on the rail 16.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a firearm accessory mount and/or a spacer for a mount, along with methods for forming such mounts/spacers and mounting firearm accessories are provided. In some embodiments, a spacer (or riser) for a M-16 (or carry handle) base mount is provided. The spacer has bottom and top sides, along with front and back ends. On the bottom side, a convex M-16 base mounting structure is formed, and on the top side, a concave M-16 base mounting structure is formed. A lip extends from the back end of the spacer, which has an upper surface that matches and extends the concave M-16 base mounting structure in an uninterrupted manner. The lip has a thickness that is less than that of the remainder of the spacer.

In some embodiments, first, second, and third mounting holes are formed through the spacer. The first hole extends upwards through the bottom side of the spacer at a forward portion thereof. The second hole extends from the bottom side of the spacer to the top side of the spacer at a central portion thereof. The third hole extends through the lip. The first and second holes are laterally spaced a distance substantially equal to the distance between mounting holes in a base portion of a 4×32 ACOG, which is also substantially equal to a distance between mounting holes on a conventional ACOG mount. The second and third holes are laterally spaced substantially the same distance as the first and second holes.

In some embodiments, the lip is sized such that when the base portion of a 4×32 ACOG is mated with the concave structure on the top side of the spacer and the mounting holes in the base portion of the ACOG are aligned with the second and third holes, a substantial (i.e., the rear) section (or portion) of the base portion of the ACOG extends past the edge of the lip (e.g., approximately ⅓ of the base portion of the ACOG extends past the edge of the lip) such that no portion of the spacer is positioned below the section of the base portion of the ACOG that extends past the edge of the lip.

In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom and top sides of the spacer is such that when the convex structure on the bottom side of the spacer is mated with a conventional ACOG mount, a base portion of a 4×32 ACOG is mated with the concave structure on the top side of the spacer, and the conventional ACOG mount is mounted to a rail (e.g., a picatinny rail), the base portion of ACOG is at a height above the rail sufficient to mount a flip-up iron sight (i.e., in a folded position) below the base portion of the ACOG. In some embodiments, the section of the base portion of the ACOG extending past the edge of the lip of the spacer is positioned at a height of, for example, between 10 and 16 mm above the rail to which the ACOG mount is mounted, with no portion of the spacer or mount being positioned below the section of the base portion of the ACOG that extends past the lip. That is, some embodiments, when the spacer is used in conjunction with a conventional ACOG mount to mount a 4×32 ACOG, a flip-up iron sight may be mounted directly below the section of the base portion of the ACOG extending past the lip, and no portion of the spacer or the mount is positioned immediately between the flip-up iron sight and the section of the base portion that extends past the edge of the lip of the spacer.

FIGS. 4-14 illustrate an accessory spacer (or riser) 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The spacer 100 includes a main body 102 and a lip 104 (or mounting extension, which may be considered to be a part of the main body 102). The main body 102 (or the spacer 100 as a whole) has a lower side (or surface) 106, an upper side 108, opposing lateral sides 110 and 112, a front end (or side) 114, and a back end 116. In some embodiments, the spacer 100 is made of aluminum (e.g., 6061 aluminum alloy or 7075 aluminum alloy). However, other rigid materials may be used, such as steel or a polymer.

The lower side 106 is shaped such that when viewed in cross-section (i.e., from the front end 114 or the back end 116), a trapezoidal protrusion extends downward from the main body 102, which includes a horizontal surface 118 and two “angled” surfaces 120 and 122. As is shown in the figures, this trapezoidal protrusion extends from the front end 114 to the back end 116 of the spacer 100 (and/or the main body 102). One skilled in the art will recognize this structure (i.e., the protrusion) as being a convex profile of a “M-16 base” or a “carry handle base” mounting structure (i.e., a structure that is configured to mate with the channel, or at least the bottom portion of the channel, on an upper surface/side of a M-16 carry handle).

The upper side 108 is shaped in a manner that is substantially the “inverse” of the lower surface 106. That is, the upper surface 108 includes a trapezoid-shaped channel that extends substantially from the front end 114 to the back end 116 (particularly to the end of the lip 104). This channel includes a horizontal surface 124 and two angled surfaces 126 and 128. As is shown, this channel is positioned directly above, and extends in a parallel direction as, the protrusion on the lower surface 106. One skilled in the art will recognize this structure (i.e., the channel) as being a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure (i.e., a structure that is configured/shaped to replicate or simulate the channel, or at least the bottom portion of the channel, on an upper surface/side of a M-16 carry handle).

It should be noted that the channel on the upper side 108 of the spacer 100 may be substantially identical (at least in terms of cross-sectional shape) to the channel on the upper surface 22 of the mount 20. That is, as is apparently in the figures, the dimensions of convex structure on the lower surface 106 of the main body 102 are the same, or at least substantially the same, as the dimensions of the concave structure on the upper side 108.

Referring specifically to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, in accordance with the M-16 base mounting structure, horizontal surfaces 118 and 124 have a width 130 of between about 5.0 millimeters (mm) and about 7.0 mm (e.g., approximately 6.0 mm), angled surfaces 120, 122, 126, and 128 have a width 132 of between about 3.0 mm and about 5.0 mm (e.g., approximately 4.0 mm), while the combined width 134 of the horizontal and angled surfaces (i.e., of either the concave structure or the convex structure) is between about 10 mm and about 14 mm (e.g., approximately 12 mm), and the height 136 (or depth) of the structure is between about 2.0 mm and about 4.0 mm (e.g., approximately 3.0 mm). Although not clearly shown, an angle between angled surfaces 120 and 122 (and between angled surfaces 126 and 128) may be about 90 degrees, and an angle between the various angles surfaces and the horizontal surfaces may be about 45 degrees (or 135 degrees, if measured in the opposite direction).

Still referring to FIG. 8, a height (or distance) 138 between horizontal surfaces 118 and 124 may be less than 12 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the height 138 is between about 5.0 mm and about 11 mm, preferably between about 7.0 mm and about 10.0 mm (e.g., approximately 9.0 mm). It should be noted that height 138, in particular, may be varied in different embodiments to raise the ACOG 12 by different amounts, as is described in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the front end 114 of the main body 102 is angled such that the channel (i.e., horizontal surface 124) on the upper side 108 does not extend as far towards the front end 114 as the protrusion (i.e., horizontal surface 118) on the lower side 106.

The lip 104 extends from an upper portion of the main body 102 at the back end 116 thereof. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, an upper surface of the lip 104 is shaped to match the trapezoid-shaped channel on the upper side 108 of the main body 102 such that the channel (i.e., the concave profile of the M-16 base mounting structure) extends to the far (or distal) end (or edge) of the lip 104 in an uninterrupted manner. As shown, the thickness of the lip 104 as a whole is less than that of the remainder of the main body 102 such that a void or space 140 is formed below the lip 104, as shown in, for example, FIG. 9. Still referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, a vertical distance 142 between a bottom edge 144 of the lip 104 and horizontal surface 118 (i.e., the lower extremity of the spacer 100) is between 3.0 and 9.0 mm, such as 5.0 mm.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 10, a series of holes (or openings) are formed in the spacer 26. In the depicted embodiment, a first hole 146 extends upwards through the main body 102 from horizontal surface 118 near the front end 114. A second hole 148 extends from horizontal surface 118, through the main body 102, to horizontal surface 124 near a central portion of the main body 102. A third hole 150 extends through the lip 104 (i.e., from the bottom edge 144 of the lip 104 and horizontal surface 124). Although not shown in detail, each of the holes 146, 148, and 150 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a central axis substantially perpendicular to horizontal surfaces 118 and 124.

It should be noted that the holes 146, 148, and 150 may be considered to be two sets of holes (e.g., two, three-hole sets), with one set being formed on the upper side 108 of the spacer 100 and the other set being formed on the bottom side 106 of the spacer 100. If considered as such, it should be noted that, for example, one of the holes on the upper side 108 is vertically aligned with one of the holes on the bottom side 106 to jointly form hole 148. However, in some embodiments, the holes on the upper side 108 may not be aligned with the holes on the bottom side 106.

In some embodiments, each of the holes 146, 148, and 150 has a width (or diameter) 152 of between about 4.0 mm and about 6.0 mm, and the holes 146, 148, and 150 are laterally equally spaced. More particularly, in some embodiments, a center-to-center distance 154 (as measured in a direction parallel to horizontal surfaces 118 and 124) between the first hole 146 and the second hole 148 is between about 31 mm and about 33 mm, as is a center-to-center distance 156 between the second hole 148 and the third hole 150. In some embodiments, center-to-center distance 154 and center-to-center distance 156 are approximately 32 mm. It should be noted that distances 154 and 156 may be substantially identical to distance 28, which corresponds to the distance between holes 24 in the mount 20 and the distance between holes 30 on the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12. It should also be noted that a (lateral) distance 157, as measured along horizontal surface 124, between the third hole 150 and the end of the lip 104 may be less than about 7 mm, such as between about 2 mm and 6 mm.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 10, the inner surface of hole 146 has thread formations formed thereon. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by a threaded component (e.g., a threaded insert, such as a helical insert) 158 positioned within the first hole 146. In some embodiments, the threaded insert 158 may be made of steel and have a 10-32 threading pitch, as is commonly understood. In some embodiments, the second and third holes 148 and 150 do not include any threading (e.g., the inner surfaces are smooth).

Still referring to FIG. 10, the spacer 100 may have an overall length 160 (as measured from the front end 114 to the lateral extremity of the lip 104 in a direction parallel to horizontal surfaces 118 and 124) of, for example, between about 75 mm and about 85 mm. The main body 102 may have a length 162 of, for example, between about 50 mm and about 60 mm.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 illustrate the spacer 100 mated with, or mounted to, the conventional, prior art ACOG mount 20 shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 12 and 13 further illustrate an ACOG 12 mounted to the spacer 100 and the mount 20. As shown in FIG. 13, the convex structure on the bottom side 106 of the main body 102 of the spacer 100 mates with (or is inserted into) the concave structure (i.e., the M-16 base) on the upper surface 22 of the mount 20, while the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 mates with the concave structure on the upper side 108 of the spacer 100 (as well as the lip 104).

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12, the spacer 100, and the mount 20 are sized and shaped in such a way to help ensure the alignment of the components. For example, the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 may contact (or press against) the angled surfaces 126 and 128, and not the horizontal surface 124, on the upper side 108 of the spacer 100. As such, there may be a small gap (e.g., less than 1 mm, such as 0.5 mm) between the horizontal surface on the bottom of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 and horizontal surface 124). Similarly, angled surfaces 120 and 122 on the lower side 106 of the spacer 100 may contact the angled surfaces on the upper surface 22 of the mount 20 such that a small gap is formed between horizontal surface 118 on the lower side 106 of the spacer 100 and the corresponding horizontal surface on the upper surface 22 of the mount 20. Such a fitting between the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12, the spacer 100, and the mount 20 may ensure that the ACOG 12, the spacer 100, and the mount 20 are all aligned with each other (i.e., the horizontal edges thereof are all substantially parallel to each other), as well as with the rail to which the mount 20 is attached.

Referring to FIG. 12, to secure the ACOG 12 to the mount 20 with the spacer 100, a first fastener 164 (e.g., a screw or bolt) is inserted upwards through the “front” hole 24 in the mount 20. The first fastener 164 has a series of threads (e.g., 10-32 pitch) that mate, or engaged, with the threaded insert 158 within the first hole 146 so secure the spacer 100 to the mount 20. A second fastener 166 is inserted through the “rear” hole 24 in the mount and extends through the second hole 148 in the spacer 100. The second fastener 166 is longer than the first fastener 164 and extends upwards into the “front” mounting hole 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the mounting holes 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 may be threaded, or have threaded inserts positioned therein (e.g., also 10-32 pitch). As such, the second fastener 166 engages with the front mounting hole 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 such that the ACOG 12 is secured to the mount 20 (and/or the spacer 100, as the spacer 100 is “clamped” between the ACOG 12 and the mount 20). A third fastener 166, which may be similar in length to the first fastener 164, is inserted upwards through the third hole 150 in the riser 100 (i.e., through the lip 104) and engages with the threads in the “rear” mounting hole 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 such that the ACOG 12 is further secured to the spacer 100. As such, the first fastener 164 secures the spacer 100 to the mount 20, the third fastener 168 secures the ACOG 12 to the spacer 100, and the second fastener essentially 148 secures the ACOG 12 to the mount 20, while “clamping” the spacer 100 therebetween.

It should be noted that due to the position of the third fastener 168 and/or the third hole 150 relative to the rear section of the mount 20, mounting the ACOG 12 to the mount 20 with the spacer 100 may be facilitated by installing the third fastener 168 prior to installing the first and second fasteners 164 (i.e., effectively mounting the ACOG 12 to the spacer 100 before the spacer 100 (and the ACOG 12) is secured to the mount 20).

Still referring to FIG. 12, of particular interest is the manner in which the spacer 100 has raised and laterally shifted the ACOG 12 from the conventional mounting position on the mount 20 (as shown in FIG. 3). For example, in accordance with the examples provided above, the spacer 100 may, for example, raise the ACOG 12 between 5.0 and 11 mm, while laterally shifting the position of the ACOG 12 approximately 32 mm (when compared to the conventional mounting position on the mount 20). Additionally, special notice should be given to the fact when the spacer 100 is used as shown in FIG. 12, a rear section 170 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 extends well beyond the edge of the lip 104, let alone the mount 20 itself. In one embodiment, the rear section 170 extends a distance 171 of, for example, more than 10 mm past the edge of the lip 104, preferably more than 15 mm. In some embodiments, distance 171 is between about 15 mm and about 28 mm (e.g., approximately 25 mm, or ⅓ the length 36 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12). As such, no portion of either spacer 100 or the mount 20 is positioned below the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12. However, the ACOG 12 remains securely connected to the mount 20, via the spacer 100 which utilizes both mounting holes 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates the ACOG 12 mounted to a rail 16 (e.g., the rail 16 on the upper receiver 18 of the rifle 10 in FIG. 1) using the mount 20 and the spacer 100, with the flip-up iron sight 14 also be installed on the rail 16 in a position similar to that shown in FIG. 1 (i.e., between the mount 20 and the butt stock 40, at a position on the rail 16 nearest the butt stock 40 and thus farthest from the muzzle of the rifle 10). Because the spacer 100 has raised and laterally shifted the ACOG 12, when the mount 20 is positioned in close proximity to the flip-up iron sight 14, the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 is positioned, or extends, over the flip-up iron sight 14, while the eye piece 38 of the ACOG 12 is positioned past (i.e., to the left in FIG. 14) the flip-up iron sight 14 (i.e., closer to the butt sock 40 of the rifle 10 than the flip-up iron sight 14 if installed on the rifle 10 in FIG. 1). Thus, the eye piece 38 of the ACOG 12 has been moved into a position that is closer to the user and/or the eye of the user, while being raised from a standard mounting position, and still being securely attached to the mount 20 (and/or the rail 16), as both mounting holes 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 are used.

It should also be noted that the end of the lip 104 extends past the end of the mount 20 adjacent to the flip-up iron sight 14. However, due to the reduced thickness of the lip 104 (e.g., FIG. 14) of the spacer 100, no portion of the spacer 100 contacts the flip-up iron sight 14, even though a portion of the lip 104 may also extend over the flip-up iron sight 14 (e.g., as the mount 20 is positioned in FIG. 14).

It should further be noted that although the ACOG 12 has been raised such that base portion 32 “clears” the flip-up iron sight 14, the distance that the ACOG 12 has been raised is minimized due to the fact that no portion of the spacer 100 or the mount 20 is positioned directly below the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12. As such, no portion of the spacer 100 or the mount 20 is positioned directly between the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 and the flip-up iron sight 14. In other words, the ACOG 12 has been raised just enough such that the base portion 32 clears the flip-up iron sight 14 and no height is “wasted” (i.e., the ACOG 12 is not mounted any higher than needed to clear the flip-up iron sight 14, which would be the case if any portion of the spacer 100 (or the mount 20) were positioned between the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 and the flip-up iron right 14.

In some embodiments, when mounted as shown in FIG. 14, the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 is raised a distance 172 of, for example, less than 16 mm above the rail 16. Preferably, distance 172 is less than 15 mm. More preferably, distance 172 is between about 8 mm and about 15 mm (e.g., approximately 12 mm). The distance 172 may vary depending on, for example, the exact ACOG mount 20 used, as well as the exact dimensions of the spacer 100. The flip-up iron sight 14, when folded, may extend to a height (not shown) of, for example, between about 7 mm and 15 mm (e.g., approximately 11 mm) above the rail 16, depending on the particular model. Thus, in some embodiments, a distance 174 between the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 and the flip-up iron sight 14 may be as little as about 1 mm, or even less.

Thus, one advantage of the spacer (or the spacer 100 combined with the mount 20) is that the ACOG may be raised and moved closer to the eye of the user such that it may be more quickly, easily, and comfortably used, while still allowing for a flip-up iron sight to be mounted on the rifle, without positioning the ACOG unnecessarily and/or undesirably high. As a result of the minimizing the mounting height of the ACOG 12, it may be possible for the user to maintain a solid “cheek weld” on the stock of the rifle while using the ACOG and firing the rifle/engaging a target.

Another advantage is that the number of extra components required is minimized. This is the case because the spacer may be utilized with the ACOG mounts (including the fasteners) available from multiple manufacturers (thus reducing the probability that the user will need to obtain a new mount). In this regard, it should be noted that the first and third fasteners 164 and 168 (FIG. 12) may be those used for mounting an ACOG directly to a mount (e.g., mount 20) in the conventional manner. Thus, only one additional fastener (i.e., the second fastener 166) may be needed to utilize the spacer. Thus, overall manufacturing costs, as well as costs incurred by the user, may be minimized.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a spacer a 200 according to other embodiments of the present invention. As with the spacer 100 described above, the spacer 200 includes a main body 202 and a lip 204 (or mounting extension, which may be considered to be a part of the main body 202). The main body 202 (or the spacer 200 as a whole) has a lower side (or surface) 206, an upper side 208, opposing lateral sides 210 and 212, a front end (or side) 214, and a back end 216. The spacer 200 may be similar to the spacer 100 described above in many ways (e.g., a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure on the lower side 206, a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure on the upper side 208, same overall length, etc.).

Of particular interest is that the front end 214 of the spacer 200 has a different shape. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the front end 214 is “squared off,” as opposed to the angled surface on the front end 114 of space 100 described above. The lip 204 (and/or the back end 216) also has a slightly different shape. However, the lip 204 still has a reduced thickness compared to the main body 202.

Perhaps most notable is that the spacer 200 has five holes 218, 220, 222, 224, and 226 (as arranged from the front end 214 to the back end 216) formed therethrough, as opposed to the three holes in spacer 100 described above. Holes 218, 222, and 226 may essentially correspond, and be sized and spaced in a manner similarly, to the three holes 146, 148, and 150 in spacer 100 described above, and hole 218 has a threaded component 228 positioned within (similar to hole 146 in spacer 100). Hole 220 and 224 may be similar to hole 222 and be evenly spaced between holes 218, 222, and 226. As such, although not shown in detail, a (lateral) distance between holes 220 and 224 may be the same as the distance between hole 218 and 222 and the distance between 222 and 226 (e.g., approximately 32 mm and/or the same as the distance between the holes 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12).

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the ACOG 12 mounted to a rail 16 (e.g., the rail 16 on the upper receiver 18 of the rifle 10 in FIG. 1) using the mount 20 and the spacer 200, with the flip-up iron sight 14 also be installed on the rail 16 in a position similar to that shown in FIG. 1 (i.e., between the mount 20 and the butt stock 40, at a position on the rail 16 nearest the butt stock 40 and thus farthest from the muzzle of the rifle 10). Of particular interest is that the spacer 200 allows the ACOG 12 to be mated with the mount 20 in multiple ways. As shown in FIG. 17, the spacer 200 is utilized in a manner similar to spacer 100 shown in FIG. 14, using for example, holes 218, 222, and 226 (FIG. 16). However, in FIG. 18, the ACOG 12 is mounted in such a way that it is not laterally shifted relative to the mount 20. Although not shown in detail, such a mounting position may be achieved by utilizing holes 220 and 224 (FIG. 16) and two relatively long fasteners (e.g., similar to fastener 168 in FIG. 12). As such, the spacer 200 may also be used to simply raise the ACOG 12, and not provide a lateral shift, compared to its conventional mounting position on the mount 20, using just two fasteners.

It should be understood that the exact sizes and shapes of particular portions of the spacer(s) may vary, examples of which are shown (e.g., as viewed from the front end) as spacer 300 and spacer 400 in FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively. Also, although not shown, additional opening/holes may be formed in the spacer to minimize weight, and the shape of the spacer in general may be selectively “trimmed” to further reduce weight (or increased in, for example, thickness/bulk to increase strength) as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Additionally, it should be understood that the spacer may be formed as an integral portion of the mount. For example, although the mount 20 and spacer 100 shown in FIG. 11 are described above as being a separate components, in some embodiments, the spacer 100 (or 200) may be permanently connected to the mount 20 (e.g., the spacer 100 and the mount 20 may substantially be formed from a single, integral piece of material, such as aluminum). In such embodiments, the mount 20 may be considered to form a mounting portion, or base portion, of the mount, which is configured to be detachably coupled, or secured, to a rail, such as a firearm accessory rail (or rail interface system (RIS)), such as a picatinny rail, a weaver rail, a NATO accessory rail, etc. The spacer 100 (or 200) may then be considered to form a spacer (or riser) portion of the mount and function in a manner similar to that described above. In such embodiments, in accordance with the teachings above, the lip of the spacer portion may a thickness that is less than the main body of the spacer portion (and/or less than the combined thickness of the portions of the spacer portion positioned directly over the mounting portion and the mounting portion) and extend beyond the respective end (e.g., the rear end) of the mounting portion.

Furthermore, although the above embodiments are described as being used with 4×32 ACOGs, it should be understood that other firearm accessories may be used, such as other optical sights, including other models of ACOGs (e.g., 3×30, 1.5×16, etc.) and BROWE Combat Optics (BCO) available from BROWE Inc. of Madison Heights, Mich. 4×32 BCOs may have a similar size and shape similar to 4×32 ACOGs, as well as an eye relief of approximately 38 mm. Other types of optical sights, such as “red dots” and “reflex sights,” may also be used, perhaps by utilizing only one of the holes in the spacer. Also, the various accessories described above may be used in conjunction with the spacer or mount on weapon systems besides Stoner design rifles, such as the SCAR series of rifles available from FNH USA of Mclean, Va., AK-47 variants, etc.

Furthermore, although the embodiments described above secure the ACOG (or other accessory) to the spacer and the mount using three (or two, in FIG. 16) fasteners, it should be understood that different numbers of fasteners may be used and the positions thereof may be changed in other embodiments.

Also, it should be understood that the spacer may be utilized with the mount 20 to laterally shift the optical sight (or other accessory) forwards, as opposed to backwards, by simply mounting the optical sight and/or the spacer in the opposite manner (i.e., by rotating the optical sight, the mount, and/or the spacer 180 degrees about a vertical axis). When done with a 4×32 ACOG, the result would be, for example, that a fore section of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 extends past the edge of the lip 104, as opposed to a rear section of the base portion 32. Moreover, shims may be provided to be placed between the spacer and the mount to allow the user to raise the ACOG 12, or other accessory, as desired.

Thus, in some embodiments, a firearm accessory spacer is provided. The firearm accessory spacer includes a main body having a lower side, an upper side, and an end. The lower side of the main body has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The upper side of the main body has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The main body has a first hole formed on the upper side thereof. A lip is connected to the end of the main body. The lip has an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip and a second hole formed on the upper side thereof. The lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of an optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the optical sight extends past the end of the lip.

The lip may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body. The main body may have a third hole and a fourth hole formed on the lower side thereof. The third hole may be laterally spaced farther from the lip than the fourth hole. The first hole and the fourth hole may be laterally positioned between the second hole and the third hole. The third hole and the fourth hole may be laterally spaced a distance that is about the same as a lateral distance between the forward mounting hole and the rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight.

The first hole and the fourth hole may be vertically aligned such that the first hole and the fourth hole jointly form an opening extending from the lower side of the main body to the upper side of the main body. An inner surface of the third hole may have a plurality of threads formed thereon. The plurality of threads may include a threaded insert positioned within the third hole.

The upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip may have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon. The first hole and the second hole may be formed in the respective horizontal surfaces of the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip. The lower side of the main body may have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon. The third hole and the fourth hole may be formed in the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body. A vertical distance between the horizontal surface of the upper side of the lip and the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body may be less than 12 mm. The optical sight may be a M150 Rifle Combat Optic.

In some embodiments, a spacer for mounting an optical sight (such as a M150 Rifle Combat Optic) is provided. The spacer includes a main body having a lower side, an upper side, and an end. The lower side of the main body has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The upper side of the main body has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The main body has a first hole formed on the upper side thereof. A lip is connected to the end of the main body. The lip has an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip, a second hole formed on the upper side thereof, and a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body. The lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of a M150 Rifle Combat Optic is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic extends past the end of the lip.

The main body may have a third hole and a fourth hole formed on the lower side thereof. The third hole and the fourth hole may be laterally spaced a distance that is about the same as a lateral distance between the forward mounting hole and the rear mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic. A lateral distance between the first hole and the second hole may be about 32 mm, and a lateral distance between the third hole and the fourth hole may be about 32 mm. A lateral distance between the second hole and the end of the lip may be less than 7 mm.

The upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip may have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon. The first hole and the second hole may be formed in the respective horizontal surfaces of the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip. The lower side of the main body may have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon. The third hole and the fourth hole may be formed in the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body. An angle between the angled surfaces on the upper side of the main body and the lip may be about 90 degrees. An angle between the angled surfaces on the lower side of the main body may be about 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, a mount for an optical sight is provided. The mount includes a base portion configured to be detachably secured to a firearm accessory rail and spacer portion connected to the base portion. The spacer portion includes a main body and a lip. The main body has an upper side and an end. The upper side has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The main body has a first hole formed on the upper side thereof. A lip is connected to the end of the main body. The lip has an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip and a second hole formed on the upper side thereof. The lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of a optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the optical sight extends past the end of the lip. When the base portion is secured to the firearm accessory rail, a vertical distance between the base of the optical sight and the firearm accessory rail is less than 15 mm.

The lip of the spacer portion may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body of the spacer portion. The base portion and the spacer portion may be configured such that when the base of the optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure, a vertical distance between the base of the optical sight and the firearm accessory rail is not more than 12 mm. The optical sight may be a M150 Rifle Combat Optic. The base portion and the spacer portion may be configured such that when the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure, the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic extends past the edge of the lip a distance of at least 15 mm.

In some embodiments, a method for forming a spacer (or a optical sight mount with the spacer incorporated therein), such as those described above, is provided. In embodiments in which the space or mount is made of a metal, such as aluminum, the spacer (or the mount) may be made using, for example, a milling machine, such as a CNC, an extrusion process, and/or a casting process. In some embodiments, a method for mounting a firearm accessory, such as the methods described above, is provided.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm accessory spacer comprising: a main body having a lower side, an upper side, and an end, wherein the lower side has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the upper side has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the main body having a first hole formed on the upper side thereof; and a lip connected to the end of the main body, the lip having an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip and a second hole formed on the upper side thereof, wherein the lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of an optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the optical sight extends past the end of the lip.
 2. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 1, wherein the lip has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body.
 3. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 2, wherein the main body has a third hole and a fourth hole formed on the lower side thereof, the third hole is laterally spaced farther from the lip than the fourth hole, and first hole and the fourth hole are laterally positioned between the second hole and the third hole.
 4. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 3, wherein the third hole and the fourth hole are laterally spaced a distance that is about the same as a lateral distance between the forward mounting hole and the rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight.
 5. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 4, wherein the first hole and the fourth hole are vertically aligned such that the first hole and the fourth hole jointly form an opening extending from the lower side of the main body to the upper side of the main body.
 6. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 5, wherein an inner surface of the third hole has a plurality of threads formed thereon.
 7. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 6, wherein the plurality of threads comprises a threaded insert positioned within the third hole.
 8. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 5, wherein the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon, wherein the first hole and the second hole are formed in the respective horizontal surfaces of the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip.
 9. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 8, wherein the lower side of the main body has a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon, wherein the third hole and the fourth hole are formed in the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body, and wherein a vertical distance between the horizontal surface of the upper side of the lip and the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body is less than 12 millimeters (mm).
 10. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 9, wherein the optical sight is a M150 Rifle Combat Optic.
 11. A spacer for mounting an optical sight, the spacer comprising: a main body having a lower side, an upper side, and an end, wherein the lower side has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the upper side has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the main body having a first hole formed on the upper side thereof; and a lip connected to the end of the main body, the lip having an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip, a second hole formed on the upper side thereof, and a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body, wherein the lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of a M150 Rifle Combat Optic is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic extends past the end of the lip.
 12. The spacer of claim 11, wherein the main body has a third hole and a fourth hole formed on the lower side thereof, wherein the third hole and the fourth hole are laterally spaced a distance that is about the same as a lateral distance between the forward mounting hole and the rear mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic.
 13. The spacer of claim 12, wherein a lateral distance between the first hole and the second hole is about 32 millimeters (mm), and a lateral distance between the third hole and the fourth hole is about 32 mm.
 14. The spacer of claim 13, wherein a lateral distance between the second hole and the end of the lip is less than 7 mm.
 15. The spacer of claim 13, wherein the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon, the first hole and the second hole being formed in the respective horizontal surfaces of the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip, and wherein the lower side of the main body has a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon, the third hole and the fourth hole being formed in the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body.
 16. The spacer of claim 15, wherein an angle between the angled surfaces on the upper side of the main body and the lip is about 90 degrees, and wherein an angle between the angled surfaces on the lower side of the main body is about 90 degrees.
 17. A mount for an optical sight, the mount comprising: a base portion configured to be detachably secured to a firearm accessory rail; and a spacer portion connected to the base portion, the spacer portion comprising: a main body having an upper side and an end, wherein the upper side has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the main body having a first hole formed on the upper side thereof; and a lip connected to the end of the main body, the lip having an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip and a second hole formed on the upper side thereof, wherein the lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of an optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the optical sight extends past the end of the lip, and wherein when the base portion is secured to the firearm accessory rail, a vertical distance between the base of the optical sight and the firearm accessory rail is less than 15 mm.
 18. The mount of claim 17, wherein the lip of the spacer portion has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body of the spacer portion.
 19. The mount of claim 17, wherein the base portion and the spacer portion are configured such that when the base of the optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure, a vertical distance between the base of the optical sight and the firearm accessory rail is not more than 12 mm.
 20. The mount of claim 17, wherein the optical sight is a M150 Rifle Combat Optic, and wherein the base portion and the spacer portion are configured such that when the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure, the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic extends past the edge of the lip a distance of at least 15 mm. 